The Bulls were the first to offer Bradenton (Fla.) Manatee defensive end Blake Keller back in December, giving the 6-foot-2, 215-pounder plenty of time to learn about the school.

"The USF offer was my first offer, so I like that a lot," he said. "I've been over there a lot, have talked to the coaches, and I like coach (Kevin) Patrick, the defensive line coach."

Keller said the Bulls first were in touch with him early last year, as they were also heavily recruiting teammate and fellow defensive end Derrick Calloway.

"They were talking to me throughout the whole year and they offered Derrick Calloway, and they said they might offer me," Keller said. "I was kind of expecting it but I didn't know it would come that soon."

The USF offer was followed by one from in-state rival UCF, who have also made a good impression on Keller. Keller said an out-of-state school is also in regular contact, and could offer soon.

"UCF is recruiting me really hard, and they have offered me," Keller said. "Iowa State is going to offer me, too."

The Knights will receive a visit in the near future, and Keller said he experienced USF's junior day last month.

"I went there at the beginning of February and I've been up there before with my defensive line coach," Keller said of USF. "We've been to a couple of games there."

Keller said he doesn't know if USF likes him at defensive end or linebacker, but said that Patrick, his main recruiter from the school, likes him as a pass rusher.

"He said he really wants me to play defensive end there but the other coaches there don't know if they want me at linebacker or defensive end," Keller said. "We'll just see how that plays out and see how big I get and stuff."

The hybrid defensive prospect said staying close to home is a plus, though he won't rule out attended an out-of-state school if he feels there's a good fit.

"That probably won't have a big impact on my decision," he said. "I want to stay close to home so my family can watch me play, but if there's an offer out-of-state that is better for me, I'm going to take it."